Who is Imam Hussain (AS)? | Story of Third Imam Hussain ibn Ali
Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) is the son of Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Fatima (RA). Imam Hussain (AS) was born on the fifth of Shaban during the third year of our beloved Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) migration from Makah to Medina. Holy Prophet (SAW) named His grandson Hussain which means “beauty” in Arabic. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself recited the Adhan in his ear, as is the custom for newly born Muslim children, and also performed the Aqeeqah ritual on which two sheep’s sacrificed. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) loved His grandsons Imam Hassan (AS) and Imam Hussain (AS) very much as He (SAW) would often go to their house to meet them, enjoy watching them play and would lift them and holds them against His chest with affection.
Sometimes, when the Holy Prophet (SAW) was in prostration during prayers, His grandchildren would climb on His back and the Prophet (SAW) would remain in prostration for some time till Hazrat Imam Hassan (AS) and Imam Hussain (AS) on His back. After completing the prayers, the Holy Prophet (SAW) would lift them onto His lap and make them love. Holy Prophet (SAW) said about His grandsons: “Whoever loves them loves me (and whoever bears a grudge against them bears a grudge against me. Hussain is mine and I am Hussain’s. Whoever loves Hussain will be loved by Allah)”. (Musnad Ahmad)
Most of the time Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) remained with our Prophet Muhammad (SAW), so He (AS) adopted all habits of Holy Prophet (PBUH). Imam Hussain (AS) was well known for his kindness, love, and charity for the poor people. Imam Hussain (AS) was a man of action and faith. During nights, He (AS) worshipped Allah (SWT) in privacy, while during the day He (AS) worked hard and guided the people. Imam Hussain (AS) was constantly mindful of the poor and the needy, and He (AS) used to visit them and cheer them up. Hussain ibn Ali was for Islam and his whole life was for Islam and its establishment on earth.
Holy Prophet (SAW) said in another hadith: “Hassan and Hussain are leaders of the youth in Paradise” (Ibn Majah). The Holy Prophet (SAW) is pointing out that their character is so superb and will remain so that following their way of life can be a way of pleasing Allah Almighty. Holy Prophet (SAW) instructed people in different ways to follow His family after His death. Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “To me, Hassan and Hussain are both the best fragrance of the world” (Bukhari). We all should try to follow the teachings of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and try to implement in our daily life routine. In this modern era, we Muslims needs to implement honesty, bravery, love, and modesty in our lives just like Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS).
